The City of Foster City participates in programs designed to assist first-time homebuyers with the purchase of a new home. These programs are:

1. Foster City Homebuyers Advantage and Advantage PlusThis program has been suspended from making new loans due to the State's actions to terminate redevelopment agencies. This does not affect existing loans issued under this program. Existing loan holders should direct any questions to the San Mateo County Office of Housing at 650-802-5032.

2. Mortgage Credit Certificate
The Mortgage Credit Certificate program is a means of providing financial assistance to first-time homebuyers by allowing those homebuyers to take fifteen percent of annual mortgage interest payments as a tax credit against their federal personal income tax in addition to the regular itemized deductions for the remaining 85% of the home mortgage interest payments. This program is available on a limited basis. For more information, please contact the San Mateo County Office of Housing at 650-802-5032.

3. Housing Endowment And Regional Trust (HEART)
The Housing Endowment and Regional Trust (HEART) in partnership with Meriwest Mortgage, has created a customized loan package to help qualified, moderate-income families, buy a home in San Mateo County. The program combines a first mortgage loan from Meriwest Mortgage Company, and a second, below market rate down payment assistance loan from HEART for up to $78,225.